However, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) clarified that local ordinances will have to be signed and passed by the respective local government units of Metro Manila before the said curfew can be enforced. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, meanwhile, claimed that a curfew in the entire capital region needs approval of President Rodrigo Duterte, who earlier placed Metro Manila under community quarantine. Poe then said that government’s Price Council should be alerted to make sure that basic food items and other supplies are readily available at fair value. The limit to purchases should also be imposed not only on alcohol, but also on essential items to avert hoarding and panic buying, Poe added. “As we seek cooperation from the people in making the curfew work we must also work double-time to allay anxiety and make our citizens feel that the government is in control,” Poe said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 15, 2020 05:37 UTC